Auburn football: Tigers eyeing veteran defensive addition to Class of 2023

The Auburn football coaching staff has been working hard throughout the offseason to fill gaps on the roster and secure a strong recruiting class of 2023. The Tigers have added nine transfers to the roster so far, and several more from junior colleges, but they are still looking forward to next year’s class.

They are aiming to add another JUCO player to the 2023 roster in linebacker Justin Jefferson. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Jefferson played one season at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi. He will have two years of eligibility left following his graduation this December.

Auburn football is looking for a veteran defensive addition to the Class of 2023

In his nine games as a freshman, Jefferson recorded 53 total tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one interception.

According to Auburn Live, Christian Robinson extended the offer to the linebacker during a phone conversation:

"“It felt great,” Jefferson said. “Auburn is a great school and a great school to get recognized by. I appreciate it a lot. Coach Robinson seems like cool people.”"

Auburn football is not the only program that has taken notice of the linebacker. Several other top schools have offered Jefferson, including Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Florida, Texas A&M, Oregon, and Florida State. He will officially visit Texas A&M this weekend before taking official visits to Florida and Oregon later this summer.

Will he visit the Plains? It could happen later this summer:

"“I’m trying to go to a lot of different schools,” Jefferson said. “It’s a possibility I visit Auburn, most definitely.”"

The Tigers will certainly be dealing with changes in the linebackers group this season with the departures of Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooten. Although seasoned veteran Owen Pappoe will be back, the remaining LBs on the roster have yet to be truly tested.